Rhône Valley

The Rhône splits into two distinct halves. The Northern Rhône — Côte-Rôtie down through Hermitage — is Syrah country, with steep granitic slopes producing peppery, structured reds, plus a thread of Viognier for Condrieu. The Southern Rhône around Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Grenache-led GSM blend territory, on hot pebbled soils. Both halves drink generously — the south earlier, the north for the long haul.

Famous appellations

• Côte-Rôtie
• Hermitage
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Condrieu
• Gigondas

History

Roman vineyards date to the 1st century BCE around Vienne. The papal court at Avignon in the 14th century gave Châteauneuf-du-Pape its name and enduring prestige. The 1923 charter for Châteauneuf was an early model for the AOC system. The Northern Rhône's reputation soared in the late 20th century, driven partly by influential American critics, with Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie now collectible on par with grand-cru Burgundy.